January 29, 2016
Making a hat-trick of wins Ranchi Rays once again proved that they are still champions. The defending cha,pions Ranchi Rays defeated Kalinga Lancers by 3-2 score in a round robin match of the fourth Hockey India League, on Thursday.
As per the new goal scoring system every goal and penalty stroke is counted as two. After a very tough match tied at 0-0 in first two quarters Malak Singh from Kalinga lancers made a goal in the third quarter to give their team a lead of 2-0.
Image Source : NDTV Sports
However, even after the end of the third quarter, the visitors still lead 2-1, thanks to some superb save by Andrew Charter. Deavin who turned the match on its head in the 48th minute slot in the on the rebound to make it 3-2.
Kalinga Lancers battled hard but failed to make any resulting attempt in the last minutes. Overall the match was really enjoyable. The crowd in the stadium was filled upto the neck which was due to the step taken by hockey India League to promote hockey amongst the people by making tickets available in free.
With their 3rd win the Ranchi Rays have jumped on the top, they will be facing Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the next match on Saturday while Kalinga Lancers will have to face Dabang Mumbai on Sunday in Mumbai.
